Two players back for third seasons as Pioneers

The OneFortyOne Pioneers Women have secured a critical signature with Isabella Brancatisano putting pen to paper on a deal for the 2025 season – her third consecutive season as a Pioneer.

The 2023 NBL1 South Women’s Defensive Player of the Year has been instrumental in the Pioneers’ success, showcasing her versatility last season by averaging 12.58 points, 4.42 assists and 5.58 rebounds per game.

Head coach Matt Sutton was thrilled to have his leader return for another tilt at an NBL1 title.

“Having Isa return for her third season as a Pioneer is hugely important for us, she had an outstanding season in 2023,” Sutton said,

“Off the court, Isa’s impact with the local community has been outstanding. Her effort, toughness, along with her skill and team-first mentality, makes her an outstanding teammate and natural leader.”

During the 2024 season, Brancatisano continued to excel, contributing significantly to the team’s performance with her defensive prowess and leadership on the court proving to be invaluable assets to the Pioneers.

Following the completion of the 2024 NBL1 South season, Brancatisano joined the Sydney Flames in the WNBL, where she has continued to gain experience at the highest level of competition in Australia.

Brancatisano’s commitment to the Pioneers and her continuous development on the court position her as a key player for the OneFortyOne Pioneers for the upcoming 2025 season.

The Mount Gambier Pioneers fans will be excited for Isa’s return and can continue to support her and former Pioneer Sherrie Calleia in the WNBL with the Flames.

The Mount Gambier Pioneers commence pre-season training in the coming weeks and will compete in a number of pre-season games throughout the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria in the lead up to the NBL1 South season starting on March 28, 2025.

Good news for the Castec Rural Supplies Pioneers Men with Austin Shelley committing to the 2025 season as well and like Brancatisano, it is Shelley’s third season at the club.

Last year’s Defensive Player of the year for the Pioneers has been developing his game in the off-season as a training player with the Cairns Taipans, guarding high level guards whilst running the second unit in training in the absence of injured rostered players.

Head coach Richard Hill welcomed Shelley’s signature as he starts to plot the 2025 campaign.

“I’m really excited to see the development of Aussie, he is a tremendously talented and committed young man who is hungry for team and individual success,” Hill said. “Austin is primed to take his game to another level this season and I expect him to be one of the best two-way guards in the competition.”

Austin is coming off a season where he averaged an impressive 12.6 points 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists, as well as 38per cent three point shooting.

“It’s easy to see why he is so highly valued here in Mount Gambier,” Hill said.